World Cup Quarter-Finals: Best Free Bets & Expert Predictions
After almost a month of intense competition, not to mention the numerous late nights, we have reached the quarter-final stage of the World Cup. Just eight teams remain, including pre-tournament favourites France, Spain, Argentina and England. Here, we take a look at the four ties and offer up some thoughts on the outcomes, along with some top free-bet offers.
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Top Free Bet and Betting Offers for the Quarter Finals
SpreadEX – Up To £60 in Free Bets
Place a £10 fixed odds single or £10 each-way bet at minimum odds of 1/2 and, once your qualifying bet has been settled, get 3 x £10 free fixed odds bets, 3 x £5 Total Goals football spread bets and 3 x £5 Winning Favourites spread bets and a £1 racing Race Index spread bet. 18+ www.gambleaware.org.
bet365 – Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
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Midnite – Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets
18+ New customers only. Place a £10 sportsbook bet at minimum odds 1/1 (2.0), within 14 days of sign-up and get £40 in Free Bets, valid for 7 days on selected bets. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
Betfred – Get £50 in Free Bets
New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get £30 in Sports Free Bets & £20 in Bet Builder Free Bets within 24 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.
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New Players Only. Free bet – one-time stake of £/€/$ 30, min odds 1.5, stake not returned. 1X wager the winnings. Wager from real balance first. Wager.
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18+ Gambling Can Be Addictive. Please Play Responsibly. Registration Required. GamStop Gambling Commission
World Cup Quarter-Finals Preview and Predictions
Thursday, July 9th – France v Morocco (9pm)
A repeat of the 2022 semi-final in Qatar, won 2-0 by Les Bleus thanks to goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani. It was far from straightforward, though, with Morocco enjoying 60% possession and proving they belonged on the big stage.
The North Africans have improved over the past four years, with Mohamed Ouahbi taking over as head coach shortly after Morocco’s controversial AFCON success in January. They will pose a significant threat to a French side that has cruised to this stage and looked the most likely winners.
In Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, they have the pace, craft and finishing ability to cause any defence problems. Morocco is a very good side, but this may be one step too far.
⚽ Prediction: France 2-1 Morocco
Friday, July 10th – Spain v Belgium (8pm)
Spain has built a reputation for attacking flair in recent years, but it is their defence that has carried them through to the quarters. Luis de la Fuente’s side has yet to concede in five games, a platform that has enabled their creative players to thrive. Lamine Yamal has yet to hit top form, but the likes of Mikel Oyarzabal, Dani Olmo and Alex Baena have more than compensated.
Belgium have looked lacklustre for most of the tournament but came alive in the 4-1 win over the United States. Fuelled by a sense of injustice at the inclusion of USA striker Folarin Balogun, a move granted by FIFA following an intervention by US president Donald Trump, Rudi Garcia’s men looked like a real force.
Garcia’s brave decision to start with Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku on the bench reaped its rewards with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice. Beating the US is one thing, seeing off Spain is quite another.
⚽ Prediction: Spain 3-0 Belgium
Saturday, July 11th – Norway v England (10pm)
The euphoria of Monday morning’s epic win over Mexico should, by now, have subsided. The Three Lions defended superbly to keep the home side at bay at their Azteca Stadium fortress, but still have plenty to work on before taking on Norway.
England’s use of the ball was wasteful at times, and they will need to sharpen up offensively. They also have to contain the incredible Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker netted twice in Norway’s 2-1 win over Brazil in the round of 16 and has now scored in each of his last 14 competitive encounters for his country. His overall record reads 62 goals in 54 international games.
It’s a little simplistic to say stop Haaland and England win, but he is the main dangerman, and by some distance. That said, it will be a game played in a similar vein to a Premier League match, bar the heat in Miami, and that should suit England.
⚽ Prediction: Norway 1-3 England
Sunday, July 12th – Argentina v Switzerland (2am)
Argentina have ridden their luck to reach this stage, an extra-time win over Cape Verde followed by a dramatic, and controversial, late comeback triumph over Egypt. The Egyptians were right to feel a little hard done by with nearly all the 50-50 decisions going the way of the defending champions.
Lionel Messi eventually found top gear to inspire the comeback after a largely forgettable first 70 minutes in which he missed a penalty and looked completely out of sorts. He will be the obvious dangerman for a Switzerland side that progressed via a penalty shoot-out win over Colombia after the most turgid of goalless draws.
Murat Yakin’s side is pragmatic at best, downright dull at worst. The Swiss will set up to contain and exploit Breel Embolo on the break. It may prove enough if Argentina don’t improve.
⚽ Prediction: Argentina 1-1 Switzerland
Responsible Gambling During the World Cup
The World Cup brings a real buzz to betting, but it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. That’s why it’s worth keeping tabs on your habits as the tournament unfolds. Most licensed betting sites give you built-in tools to help stay in control, including deposit limits, time-outs, reality checks, and self-exclusion. If gambling stops being fun, support is available through organisations like GamCare.
18+ Gambling Can Be Addictive. Please Play Responsibly. Registration Required. GamStop Gambling Commission
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a free bet?
A free bet is a promotional offer from a betting site allowing you to wager without using your own money. If your bet wins, you typically get the winnings but not the stake. Check terms for minimum odds or expiry.
Are World Cup free bets only for new customers?
Not always. While many big free bet offers target new customers, some sites run promos for existing customers during major tournaments like the World Cup, such as money-back deals or boosted odds on quarter-finals.
Do I need a promo code to claim a World Cup free bet?
It depends on the operator. Some free bets activate automatically upon sign-up or opting in, while others need a promo code at registration or checkout. Always check the terms before betting.
What’s the minimum deposit for World Cup free bet offers?
This varies by site, but many UK betting sites set the minimum qualifying deposit and bet at £5-£10.
Can I use a free bet on any quarter-final match?
Most free bets can be used on any market in the qualifying match, but some promotions are restricted to specific bet types (such as correct score or both teams to score). Check the offer’s terms for any market restrictions.
Is it safe to bet on the World Cup online?
Yes, as long as you stick to betting sites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Licensed operators are required to offer responsible gambling tools and follow strict rules around fair play and player protection.
City PM is committed to responsible gambling. Please gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford. To gain help, support and advice for a person struggling with gambling, contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. If you are worried about your gambling or that of a friend visit gambleaware.org.
